Why is Mexico living through scenes like this in the year 2011? We’re told it’s the right and moral thing to do for the sake of Mexico. ¡Mentiras! Both the United States and Mexico could easily shut down the drug cartels by targeting their money. But, of course, that would bring down the economy of Mexico and possibly that of the United States, as well. So, instead, scenes like those in Torreón, Coahuila this Saturday afternoon have become the order of the day. 

How much longer will Mexico live through this nightmare of a manufactured drug war?

It’s time we say, ¡Ya Basta! 

Video:

Photo: Reuters Video: El Siglo de Torreón

Mexico’s merry band of tomorrow’s were crowned U-17 World champions on Sunday on hallowed ground at the fabled Estadio Azteca, the very same turf where the likes of icons and legends Diego Maradona and Pele had some of their most iconic moments. Uruguay spilled the inevitable bitter tears on the night, so close yet so far to a first title in the junior category.

Read more at FIFA

Image: A Football Report

Gómez, The Hero of Torreón

Everyone dreams of scoring the goal that sends their country through to the final of a FIFA World Cup. Mexico’s Julio Enrique Gomez is no different, but he could never have foreseen the remarkable manner in which his dream finally became a reality. Indeed, the midfielder scored not one but two goals – the second a stunning overhead kick with a heavily bandaged head – to fire El Tri to a 3-2 win over Germany and a place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup final.

Read more at FIFA

Watch the final minutes of Mexico vs. Germany:

The collision and the aftermath:

A mid-air collision with a German defender leaves Julio Gómez bloodied and semi-unconscious. 

“So I said to him, ‘bandage me up, do whatever you want, but I am going to continue.’” - Julio Gómez

Gómez scores a beautiful Chilena in the final minutes of play.

Photos: FutbolMexicano

Bonus: ¡Somos Bien ChinGomez!

The Mighty Mexicans came back from a two goal deficit to equalize in the first half, capping it with a golazo from Giovanni Dos Santos to finish off the out-matched Yanks and win 4-2 against its longtime rival, the US. 

The rivalry between Mexico and the United States’ national teams goes back to 1934 when the two first met in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. The US won that match, but didn’t win again until 1980. Although Mexico is ahead in the overall win count, the US national team has won most games in the last 10 years. See an infographic.

El Chicharito and Giovanni Dos Santos will get most of the glory, but Pablo Barrera and Aldo De Nigris deserve a special mention. While improvements can be made, Mexico is finally showing a complete team. A deep roster and a big talent pool coming up are reasons to be optimistic.

Read a recap of the entire Gold Cup tournament as told through tweets and a few videos here. See the goals and highlights from yesterday’s game below. 

Infograhphic and Video: MLS

Here’s a really nice video shot at ground level that shows exactly how fast the “beautiful game” is played. It also gives one a good sense of how it must’ve felt to have been at Soldier Field this past Sunday. 55,000+ Mexicans! 

In covering the Mexico vs Costa Rica game, The New York Times’ soccer blog, Goal, may have coined a new nickname for Mexico’s selección in asking the following question, “…could the United States (or any other team in the tournament) have even a faint hope of defeating the mighty Mexicans?” For those of us who love the sport and are die-hard supporters of El Tri, we hope the answer is no. 

More from Goal:

The most popular and most successful soccer team in the United States will be returning to the New York metropolitan area and expects to draw another sellout crowd to a stadium in the New Jersey Meadowlands.

No, not the red, white and blue of the United States national team, but El Tri, the Tricolores of Mexico.

Read more at Goal

Photo: Futbol Mexicano Video: MLS